U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997

Sultanate Historiography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: **List-I** A. Ziyauddin Barani B. Hasan Nizami C. Minhaj-usSiraj D. Yahia-binAhmad **List-II** 1. Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi 2. Tabqat-i-Nasiri 3. Tarikh-i-Firozshahi 4. Taj-ul-Maasir 5. Tabaqat-i-Akbari

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The history of the Delhi Sultanate is constructed through specific courtly genres: official annals (Taj-ul-Maasir), general histories (Tabaqat), and political treatises.

Explanation
Barani: *Tarikh-i-Firozshahi*, a comprehensive Sultanate history.
Hasan Nizami: *Taj-ul-Maasir*, focus on the Ghorid/Slave dynasty.
Minhaj: *Tabaqat-i-Nasiri*, a universal history of Islam ending in 1260.
Yahia-bin-Ahmad: *Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi*, focus on the Sayyid dynasty.

Logical Breakup
A-3: Barani's work is a masterpiece of political and economic history.
B-4: Nizami's text is highly ornate and provides early administrative details.
C-2: Minhaj's work is the most reliable source for the first 50 years of Delhi rule.
D-1: Sirhindi's work is the primary source for the short-lived Sayyid rulers.

Active Recall

Question

Which author provides information on the Sayyid dynasty?

Answer

Yahia-bin-Ahmad Sirhindi in his work 'Tarikh-i-Mubarakshahi'.

Core Insight

Each Sultanate historian selected a different 'slice' of history, providing a layered understanding of the evolution of the Islamic state in India.